A 30-YEAR-OLD man is expected to deny murder when he faces trial in Cardiff Crown Court over the fatal stabbing of a man in Barry.

John Chivers, of Cardiff Road, Barry, appeared in Barry Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with killing Paul Jones, 41, who was known as Jona, at Columbus Close, Barry, on Monday.

Chivers, who lost a foot in a car accident five years ago, said nothing during the brief hearing, other than to give his name, date of birth and address.

But his lawyers told magistrates that he denied the charge of murder.

The magistrates committed him for trial at Cardiff Crown Court where a preliminary hearing will be held on August 17.

Relations of the victim, who lived in Caradoc Avenue, Barry, have said he had a “heart of gold”.

In a statement, they said: “Paul was loving, generous and funny, with a heart of gold.”

They added: “He was a proud father who loved his children dearly. He was much loved by all his family and friends.”

The incident has highlighted concerns about policing levels on the Gibbonsdown estate, which was made a Communities First area in 2001.

Molly Conway, who lives close to the scene of the incident and is leader of the Gibbonsdown Residents Board, said: “We have not seen many police up here recently. But when the incident happened the place was saturated with police.”

She said many residents were concerned at the apparent fall in police patrols on the estate.

She continued: “When we became a Communities First estate in 2001 we had excellent policing. But now we are down to one police woman and two Police Community Support Officers.”

Chief Inspector Jay Dave, who is in charge of police operations in the Vale of Glamorgan, said he had held talks with Mrs Conway about her concerns and would hold further meetings with her. He added: “We have asked officers to make reassurance patrols in the area following this incident.”